Everyone knows the role an orthopedic mattress plays in arranging a sleeping place for healthy rest. But the importance of purchasing a suitable support is often questioned. In fact, a mattress with atomic properties, laid on a regular flat bottom, will not fully demonstrate its qualities. The desired effect can only be achieved with an orthopedic bed base.
Design of an orthopedic bed base
A standard mattress base may consist of solid or prefabricated sheets of plywood or wooden slats secured with metal or other fasteners. The orthopedic base consists of a frame, holders and lamellas.
- The basis of the design is the frame. It is made of metal or wood. It is placed inside the outer decorative frame of the bed. Models with legs are placed directly on the floor, bars without legs are placed on the sides of the bed frame.
- The slats serve as shock absorbers. The quality of anatomical support for the body depends on their quantity. The optimal number is 26–30 pcs. in a row. The distance between the slats does not exceed their width. The width ranges from 30–40 mm to 50–70 mm. The thickness of the standard lamella is 0.8 cm.
- Lat holders hold the lamellas, ensuring their independent deflection. They can be rubber, polypropylene and plastic. The first two types are preferable: they do not creak.
The stronger the bend of the lamella, the higher the springy and anatomical effect obtained from it.
Basic Workflows
Assembling a bed of any kind consists of important processes, each of which is described in detail in the instructions.
Base
Assembling a double bed begins with installing the base. The base border consists of three frames and a headboard. First of all, you need to connect these drawers together. In different models, there are suitable components for this in the form of corners, brackets, corner ties, connected to each other with screws and bolts. Next, we attach the legs; they can be screwed separately onto the frames or come as a set to the component parts.
The next stage is to attach the corners and shelves that come with the kit to the top of the drawer. We align everything perpendicular to the surface and only then secure it completely with screws. If the bed has a lifting mechanism, then we attach it at the headboard on the side frames, making the play minimal. After all these preparations, we assemble the base into a single whole and attach the central back to the frames.
Fastening the slats
Frame
The main element in the bed is its frame, which is a metal frame equipped with special slats that will prevent the mattress from sagging in the future, thereby providing the sleeper with spinal support and a comfortable sleep.
Standard model
The standard double bed model includes a base, frame, and headboard. Many people are concerned about the question of how to assemble a double bed - it must be assembled according to the instructions. This is not difficult if you have the necessary components and tools and adhere to a certain installation technology:
- first of all, using corners, we strengthen the side frames at a height of no more than 0.2 meters;
- install the footrests at the same height;
- Let's assemble the ribs - we attach them five centimeters above our side frames;
- fix the central frame. It is very important to take all accurate measurements and secure it in the center using special corners.
At this stage, the assembly of the base is considered complete. Another beam is placed on the frame in the center for the mattress pad. Then we tighten the assembled structure completely with self-tapping screws, maintaining a certain distance of 10 cm. This will allow us to achieve optimal rigidity of the product. Wooden parts can be varnished as a protective coating and after two days you can sleep on the bed comfortably.
Design diagram of a double bed with cross bars
To assemble the frame, it is necessary to connect all the elements in series. After this, you need to tighten the screws as much as possible. This procedure is best carried out by two people.
With orthopedic base
One of the common types of double bed bases is orthopedic, the main advantage of which is the uniform distribution of the weight of the person sleeping on it, which does not put additional stress on the spine. An orthopedic base is a special-purpose structure that consists of a frame and lamellas. It is designed to provide the orthopedic function of the mattress. The base can be attached directly to the bed or be a separate component.
How to assemble a double bed with an orthopedic base? For greater convenience, only the frame itself is assembled immediately, without slats. This will allow you to quickly attach the base to the bed frame in the future. Before starting to assemble the base around the perimeter, all the necessary parts are laid out in the required order. Using screws of the required diameter, the corners of the tie are fixed to the sides of the frame. Next, connect the side frames, the front of the bed (headboard) and the central frame with bolts, but do not tighten them completely. When all the parts are clearly aligned and connected to each other at a perpendicular angle, you can tighten the fasteners well.
The metal rod is assembled into one product, and the legs are attached to it. Then we insert it into the perimeter of the base and secure it tightly with self-tapping screws. For normal attachment of the lamellas to the frame, we place lamella holders on their ends and fasten them one by one into special holes on the base of the rod. We check that everything holds well and the orthopedic base is stable.
Bed with orthopedic base
With lifting mechanism
The instructions on how to assemble a double bed with a lifting mechanism are slightly different from the assembly instructions for the standard model. This is due to the complexity of the mechanism itself. But if you have at least a little experience in assembling and following the advice of a specialist, assembling such a mechanism will not be a problem.
The main difference from assembling a frame with an orthopedic base is that special wedge-shaped joints are used to connect the parts.
To achieve the result, you need to insert the necessary parts into each other and press firmly until they stop. With the help of such connections, the parts will hold tightly.
According to the instructions for assembling a bed with such a mechanism, you need to connect all the parts with screws according to the sequence, and then tighten them well. The bed frame is attached to the body only by the lower part of the lifting mechanism, which is already attached to it. Due to the bulkiness of the design, it is better to do the assembly together; it will be extremely inconvenient for one person.
Then the slats are installed. You should start from the front of the bed. We insert the part into the special slot, bending it slightly. After a characteristic click, the lamella is securely fixed in the bar. We also insert all the remaining parts.
Headboard
An element of the bed, such as a headboard, can be a continuation of the bed or a separate part of it. It can be soft, upholstered with foam rubber, batting, or hard, in the form of shelves that will perform the necessary functions. After purchasing a bed, you can remake or improve your existing headboard with your own hands.
There are several methods for upholstering a headboard. You can achieve the desired result using the carriage screed technique. To do this you will need thick fabric, a sheet of plywood, foam rubber, buttons for finishing, and a drill. From a sheet of plywood we cut out a piece of the required size, foam rubber of the same size, and also fabric for upholstery. We fold all the components and place them on the main workpiece. We drill holes in the right places, put buttons there with twine threaded through them and pull them to the wrong side. We fasten the folds of the fabric and buttons on the wrong side with staples, and close the wrong side with a piece of thick fabric.
Using approximately the same methods, you can make a headboard with an ornament made of nails or in the form of soft squares. In some cases, according to the bedroom design, it will be appropriate to make a headboard from smooth boards.
A double bed set will look great when an advanced headboard element is added to the design, both in a soft look and with a creative touch.
Why does an orthopedic mattress need a special base?
The main function of the orthopedic structure is to distribute pressure over different zones of rigidity. The higher the load, the greater the deflection. The spine remains in the correct position.
Other advantages of using an orthopedic base:
- The mattress does not wrinkle or sag in areas of high load; there is no “hammock effect”.
- Improves anatomical support.
- The spaces between the lamellas promote good air exchange, and the moisture released by the body evaporates freely. The mattress is ventilated, and dust mites are less likely to appear in it.
- The service life of the mattress increases by 1–3 years.
- The load is evenly distributed throughout the structure.
- The base with legs can be used without a bed.
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Wooden and metal
Which is better, a wooden or metal base?
- The wooden frame is in most cases folding or collapsible. Metal is usually solid.
- Wooden bases are easier to transport and install than metal ones.
- The metal body lasts a long time and is more wear-resistant.
- Sofa beds often have a metal base.
- Anatomical wood gratings are usually slightly more expensive than steel ones.
- The wooden base, which is installed without the bed, matches well with the bedroom furniture.
Made of wood
Made of metal
Bed with an orthopedic base: what to look for
Hello, dear friends! Each of us loves a good night's sleep. For many, this is pure pleasure, because what is better than a sound and healthy sleep?! Yes, practically nothing. But sometimes with our own hands we sign the sentence for proper rest; we choose the wrong beds.
Recently, a bed with an orthopedic base has proven itself to be excellent and has supplanted its main competitor. Moreover, the orthobase can have an adult and children's bed, a chair-bed and a sofa, some kind of sofa and other pieces of furniture intended for sleep and relaxation.
Today we will talk about an orthopedic bed base. Moreover, these tips will be relevant in cases where you need a small single bed for a child, a single bed or large double beds for adults.
With lifting mechanism
A bed or sofa with an orthopedic lattice and a lifting mechanism serves not only as a place to sleep, but also as a space for storing bed linen or other things. The lifting mechanism can be:
- Manual. Lasts a long time, but is the least convenient.
- Spring-loaded. The base is fixed in a raised position.
- With gas shock absorbers. With them, even a heavy grate rises quietly and smoothly.
- Electrically driven. The lift can be controlled via the remote control.
The assembly of the lifting mechanism with gas lifts is presented in the video.
Products with adjustment
Special cursors in the area of the highest load make it possible to select the rigidity of the lamellas, adjusting the base to the personal needs of the user.
- By sliding the sliders in and out, you can set an enhanced level of body support.
- Cursors that regulate rigidity are most often installed in the lumbar region, but can also be located on all lamellas.
- Installation of an additional block with double or triple slats in the active zone improves the orthopedic characteristics of the mattress.
USEFUL INFORMATION: Orthopedic folding bed with mattress
In transformable bases, you can change the angle of inclination in the head, legs and lumbar area. Adjustment can be mechanical or using an electric drive.
Types of slats
Wooden planks are made from bent-glued plywood, formed from several layers of veneer. Strength and flexibility depend on the type of wood. The slats can be wide or narrow. The width of the lamellas is selected for the mattress:
- Wide battens (5.3–9 cm) are suitable for springless models, Bonnell springs, as well as products with a low spring density and hard filler. They are cheaper, but over time they can begin to creak. A mattress with such a lattice wears out faster.
- Narrow strips (3–5.2 cm) are chosen for models with independent springs or with increased spring density. Suitable for all types of mattresses, excellent springiness, but more expensive.
Wide slats
Narrow slats
If the weight of a sleeping person does not exceed 90 kg, then it is better to take a design with narrow armor.
Lat holders for attaching lamellas have different degrees of mobility. There are:
- mortise - the lamellas are located inside the frame body, there is a tendency to creak;
- plastic overhead – mounted on top of the frame;
- overhead rubber - fixed at the top, have a platform to reduce the load on the armor, the most durable.
Mortise
Plastic overlays
Made from rubber
| Name | Vertical deflection | Rotate 200 | Vertical compression |
| Two-stage | Yes | Yes | No |
| Three-stage | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How to choose a suitable orthopedic base
The orthopedic effect base can be used with or without a bed frame. Functionality depends on the correct choice.
- The size and design of the base are selected for a specific mattress model. The most expensive type of orthopedic product cannot improve the quality of a cheap product.
- For models based on an independent spring unit, grilles with an increased number of battens are suitable. This frame is compatible with any mattress.
- The base for a single bed can have four support points. Larger structures require the installation of 5 to 8 legs.
- A children's mattress and an orthopedic base for it must be at least 160 × 80 cm, since the length is chosen to be at least 20 cm greater than the child's height.
- Standard orthopedic bases have the following parameters:
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| Model type | Sleeping place, cm | Height | Characteristics |
| Children's | 80×160 80×190 80×200 | Varies from 280 to 320 mm. Of these, the leg is 250 mm, and 30 mm is allocated to the profile | Designs vary in type of batten, lattice shape, frame and availability of adjustment options |
| Single | 90×190 90×195 90×200 100×200 | ||
| One-and-a-half-bed | 120×190 120×195 120×200 140×190 140×195 140×200 | Create a springy effect. Models with cursors for load adjustment increase the level of comfort | |
| Double | 160×190 160×195 160×210 180×190 180×195 180×200 200×200 | They take the basic load of the body and can withstand weights of more than 150 kg. Required equipment with a crossbar |
The dimensions of the base are determined by the internal size of the bed, which corresponds to the size of the mattress.
Signs of a quality frame:
- rounded shape of the legs, as the large working area increases stability;
- profile – 30 × 30 mm with a wall thickness of 1.5 mm;
- the number of wide lamellas is at least 12–15 pcs., narrow ones – from 22 pcs. and more;
- reliable fastening of the lath holders.
How to assemble a bed with your own hands
How to assemble a bed with your own hands! A short story describing how to assemble a bed with your own hands. I would like to emphasize that assembling a bed and making it are two different things. We bought a bed and are assembling it. It's not difficult, everything can be done with a minimum set of tools. Let's get started.
How to assemble a bed with your own hands
I’ll make a reservation right away that there are different beds; I’ll only describe how to assemble the ones that I managed to come across. On sale you can find a bunch of options for modern beds. At the same time, we often purchase a bed made of laminated chipboard (or solid wood) with an orthopedic base and a specially selected mattress. (A curious fact is that the spelling of the word mattress and mattress are the same.) Such beds are inexpensive to make and can be found in many stores.
We buy such a bed, they deliver it to us, and then we have the choice of ordering assembly or assembling it ourselves? I suggest assembling it yourself, it will take an hour or two, and you won’t have to wait for anyone. During assembly, we have two stages ahead of us - assembling the orthopedic base and assembling the bed frame from laminated chipboard or wood. The mattress will not require any assembly effort; you just need to unpack it and put it down.
Assembling an orthopedic bed base
The orthopedic bed base will most likely arrive in a corrugated cardboard box. Opening the box you will find a profile base with drilled holes for installing batten holders - plastic fasteners for battens, curved slats, which allow you to fully reveal the beauty of modern cool mattresses. Accordingly, there will be a set of lath holders and lamellas, as well as fasteners for assembling the base. Perhaps there will be more legs at the base. Well, I hope there will be at least minimal assembly instructions. I came across two options for assembling the frame. In one case, the frame profile is inserted into the grooves, in another case, the profile is fastened with special corners. There may be other options, for example, if the frame is not made of a metal profile. The profile is fastened with bolts. The holes for them do not fit well, you have to knock. The legs are also attached to the bolts. Next we install the slats. Lat holders are simply inserted into the drilled holes; sometimes you have to tap them with a mallet. The batten lamellas are simply inserted into the batten holders. A problem in the assembly will be the absence of any part, for example a plate holder.
Assembling the bed frame and chipboard
Assembling the frame is quite simple. I also came across two options for assembling the frame. For corners or confirmations. Additives must already be made for both. The bed frame is simply placed around the assembled orthopedic base. A complicating element may be the presence of drawers or a lifting mechanism, but you shouldn’t give up here either.
First of all, install the legs on the body. They are simply installed on self-tapping screws. The second stage, we screw the drawers (chipboard for structural rigidity) to the sides of the body. In my case, they were simply attached with confirmations - a minute of work if you have a screwdriver. Next, we attach the head of the bed to the sides and drawers. In my case, again, there were confirmations, although I don’t like it. Apparently the creators of the bed decided that the headboard would only be against the wall. The lower part of the bed frame was attached to the corners. The fittings were already installed in the body; all that remained was to bolt it on.
I won’t describe the body variations. In most cases, their assembly will require knowledge of the fittings that will need to be installed.
This completes the assembly of the bed. I hope how to assemble a bed with your own hands has become a little more clear. All that remains is to wipe everything away from unnecessary dust, put it back in place and put the mattress on.
Popular makes and models
The range of orthopedic bases allows you to choose the right model. The price depends on functionality, material, size and offers a line of budget products. The products are made from natural materials. There are models with and without legs. The metal base with a lifting mechanism is complemented by birch slats and has 25.5 cm legs with adjustable height.
The DreamLine “Active Best” collapsible bed base is designed for mattresses of any type. All-welded metal frame, overhead lath holders are designed to fit thin birch lamellas. Removable legs allow you to use the grill without installing them.
Benartti produces only models with a reliable metal base. Birch is used for the slats. Lat holders are overhead, which ensures a quiet rest without squeaking.
How to assemble a double bed?
To understand how to assemble a double bed, instructions are not always needed. Often the design of a stock of this size is quite simple and consists of the following elements:
- side panels;
- headboard;
- foot back;
- central cross beam.
You can install a wooden bed yourself if you have the following tools:
- screwdriver or screwdriver;
- hexagon;
- rubber hammer;
- PVA glue if necessary.
The side panels are first connected to the headboard. For this, screws or dowels are used. If a dowel connection is used, the fastening is additionally coated with PVA glue. Then the back is fixed using Euroscrews or wooden pins. It is important to maintain a 90° angle. A corner is used to check the joints.
To avoid accidentally breaking the material, it is advisable to do the work together. One person will hold the drawer, and the second will attach the back or headboard.
A longitudinal beam for the mattress pad is installed in the center of the frame. It can fit into a special groove or be secured with screws.
At the same stage, install the bed legs. The method of fixation depends on the type of supports. These can be self-tapping screws or confirmations.
Base
The next step in assembling a double bed is installing the base. To do this, 3 longitudinal beams are connected to each other by 2 crossbars. To fix the mattress, slats or special bars are installed. You can assemble the base of a double bed with your own hands using a screwdriver or screwdriver. The bars are fastened with screws. The attachment points are marked with holes or grooves depending on the model of the stock.
When assembling the base for double beds, you must strictly observe the same distance between the transverse bars. This will allow you to securely fix the mattress, evenly distribute the load and ensure quality sleep. As you can see, the base for double and single beds is mounted in the same way.
Assembly
The next step in the instructions for assembling the bed involves installing the base on the frame. To do this, use self-tapping screws or confirmations. It is necessary to properly fix the mattress pad to prevent parts from breaking. All fittings should be fully tightened, and then plugs should be put on them.
